Dubai: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday announced the return of Arab Hope Makers, a major initiative shining a light on humanitarianism and philanthropy across the region.

Sheikh Mohammed, who established the Arab Hope Makers award in 2017, said the fourth round of the Dh1 million programme would seek to honour those bringing about “positive change in our societies”.

In a message shared on social media, Sheikh Mohammed spoke of the importance of acknowledging the efforts of “thousands of hope makers” aiming to make a difference all over the region and beyond.

“Today marks the launch of the fourth edition of Hope Makers,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on Twitter.

“We extend our search to all segments of society, aiming to celebrate these inspiring individuals, rejoice in their endeavours, and highlight their remarkable accomplishments.

“Anyone who recognises goodness within themselves is encouraged to self-nominate or nominate others through our website.”

He underlined the need to showcase the goodness of humanity against a narrative of “pessimism and negativity” in the region.

“Hope embodies strength, propels change and holds the key to rejuvenation,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote.

الأمل عنوان القوة، ومحرك التغيير، وسر التجدد .. الأمل هو استبشار بالقادم، واستمرار للعطاء واقتناص للفرص ومصدر لا ينضب لخير البشر .

ما زلنا نبحث عن #صناع_الأمل وفاعلي الخير لنكرمهم ونبرز نماذجهم ونستبشر بهم في مجتمعاتنا ..

عندما يتحدث الناس عن الصراعات واليأس والتشاؤم والسلبية… pic.twitter.com/2rsNwjVSmM

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) June 12, 2023